PCB Seeks Referee Pycroft’s Removal After Handshake Row
The Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup game, following the controversy over Indian players not shaking hands with Pakistani players before and after the match.
Protest Over Toss Instructions
According to the PCB, Pycroft instructed the captains not to shake hands at the toss, which the board said broke from cricketing tradition. Later, Indian players also avoided the customary handshake after the match, prompting Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to skip the post-match presentation.
PCB’s Allegations Against Referee
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. He labelled the referee’s behaviour as unsportsmanlike and called for his immediate removal from the tournament.
Complaint Escalated to ICC
The PCB has submitted an official complaint to the ICC demanding action. The board warned that the incident could impact future matches if their concerns are not addressed. The issue has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup.
